CHIPINGE, June 24, 2023. – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for peaceful elections during the forthcoming Zimbabwe 2023 Harmonised Elections scheduled for August 23.
Addressing thousands of supporters during the launch of his election campaign at Mutema School in Chipinge Saturday, Dr Mnangagwa says the country is one and requires peace.
“We want peace, unity and harmony. We are one. We want peace, before, during and after the elections,” says Dr Mnangagwa.
He adds: “Shuvirai nyika ino kuti ive nerunyararo nerugare. (Aspire for a peaceful and developed country)
“We say no to violence!” says Dr Mnangagwa amid thunderous applause from the people.
Zimbabwe’s elections have in the past been marred with cases of political violence between and amoing political party supporters.
At times, journalists have also found themselves on the receiving end whenever they are accused of being supporters of one party or faction or the other. Media monitoring reports and observer mission reports for the 2018 Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Harmonised Elections highlight cases of attacks on media personnel during the discharge of their duties.
The reports are also critical of the conduct of the media in promoting polarisation which is blamed for fanning violence during elections. The conduct of netizens on social media is also criticised as it is characterised by cyber-bullying, trolling, hate speech, misinformation and falsehoods which adds to violence during electoral periods.
Political parties are expected to sign a peace pledge in which they commit themselves to promoting peace during the electoral period which began with the proclamation of the electoral process on May 31, 2023.
Elections are an important facet of democracy as it allows people to elect representatives to local authorities, house of assembly, senate and the president. Political violence is an affront to democracy in that it impinges upon people’s fundamental rights and freedoms. Interfering with people’s freedoms results in elections which are not free and fair.
With the call for peace, unity and harmony emerging from the highest office, it is the expectation of many that peaceful elections will be realised.
